For many of us, the holidays are a time to get together with family. For a lot of homeless youth, it’s no different. They’ll go to their mom or dad’s, grandma’s, or their boyfriend/girlfriend’s for a family gathering. For those that don’t have much, there won’t be stockings or presents. There may be a Christmas tree, some holiday traditions, and a family meal. The main thing though is that it’s time together, as a family.

After seeing family, these youth will go back to wherever they’ve been staying: a shelter or housing program, hotel, or a friend or another relative’s house. There won’t be a big haul of gifts to bring back, and even if there was, it’s hard to keep track of a bunch of stuff when you don’t have your own space and you’re bouncing around from place to place. And if you’re hungry, cold, and homeless…what you really need is food, clothes and a warm coat, a safe, stable place to stay, and to know that someone cares. That doesn’t change with Christmas.

There are a number of factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, loss of a job, foreclosure, family conflict, domestic violence, divorce, physical or sexual abuse, aging out of state custody, coming out (LBGT), teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, or untreated mental health needs. The holidays can magnify the loss and the hurt for some. For others, it can be a time to escape, simply enjoy time with friends or family, and forget about it all for a moment. Either way, love, support, and hope can go a long way. What better time of year to love others, come alongside someone in need, and offer hope?

Let’s not forget about those who are struggling over the holidays, and will still be struggling when the holidays end. Maybe next Christmas, someone we’ve helped can give the gift of hope to someone else in need.

Report grades states on child homelessness as Washington takes aim at changing laws – NBCActionNews.com – Kansas City